Use Your Muffin Tin For These 11 Kitchen Hacks

That muffin tin taking up space in your cabinet has more uses than for just baking cupcakes and muffins. In a room such as the kitchen, where no matter how large or small it seems space is always at a premium, multi-functional equipment is always of value. 

Whether you paint and decorate your muffin tin for display or use it for baking, its many uses are sure to keep your tin in constant use both in and out of the kitchen. For more hacks using a muffin tin, check out our 11 favorite, and hopefully they will inspire you to discover your own extra uses for this surprisingly versatile kitchen tool.

Want to serve classic baked eggs for a crowd? Use your muffin tin to make six or 12 at once. Grease the inside of the tin well and line with a folded tortilla so that you can pop the individual baked eggs out for serving. The added bonus of an edible ramekin will impress guests.

Decorate your extra muffin tin and turn it into a serving tray for condiments at your next party. Have your own passable tray for sauces at your next barbecue or load up your decorated tin with toppings for burgers and hot dogs.

You can make your own hard taco shells for taco Tuesday with your muffin tin. First, follow this easy recipe to make the corn dough, and then press your tortillas. Finally, flip over the muffin tin using the grooves fold your tortillas to make the shape of a taco. Position your two oven racks close together so that you can use the wires to help hold the shape of your tacos while they crisp. Bake at 350 degrees F until hot and crispy.

You can individually portion leftovers, like oatmeal, soup, or cooked vegetables, by freezing them in your muffin tin. Then, when you are ready to use, just defrost what you need for your next meal.

You can hard-boil eggs in the oven. This trick uses the cups of the muffin tin and your oven set to 325 degrees F. Just place an egg in each muffin cup with a little water and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

In your decorated muffin tin, make your own antipasto tray using the separated muffin cups. Pass olives, mixed nuts, cheeses, and cured meats in your uniquely decorated tin.

When you are making brunch for a crowd, but not everyone likes the same things, you can individualize egg casseroles without creating extra work for yourself. Set up a station with mix-ins and the egg casserole base, and then let everyone add his or her own fillings to a muffin cup before covering with the beaten eggs and baking.

Make a special dessert, appetizer, or main course preparation by using the muffin tin as a cup mold. Store-bought kataifi, phyllo, cookie dough, bacon, and even spaghetti can be baked in your muffin tin to make an edible vessel for sweet and savory fillings.

Individual cupcakes are a delicious, simple idea for birthday parties and picnics. Layer your favorite fillings and top with a dollop of ricotta and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking for one? Make mini meatloaves in your muffin tin that you can easily save and store for tomorrow's lunch.

Who doesn't like a portable, pizza flavored snack. These "pizza muffins" will be a hit with the kids and are the perfect way to make sure everyone is fed while on-the-go.